Our opinion on the current state of CHOPPIES(CHP)Choppies (CHP) is a Botswana-based grocery retailer with 212 stores operating in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya. It has a primary listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and a secondary listing on the JSE. The grocery market in Southern Africa is highly competitive, and Choppies, being a relatively small player, faces challenges in competing with larger chains that have greater buying power.
The company was suspended from trading on the JSE for two years (from November 2018) due to various issues, but resumed trading on 13th November 2020. In its results for the year ending 30th June 2024, Choppies reported a 31.7% increase in revenue. However, headline earnings per share (HEPS) from continuing operations declined by 20.7%. The company attributed the positive impact on group results to the acquisition of Kamoso, while the economic difficulties in Zimbabwe negatively affected its performance.
Choppies is clearly recovering from a difficult period, including its prolonged suspension on the JSE. Trading volumes are still relatively low, with about R38,000 worth of shares changing hands daily on average, making it a risky option even for small investors. However, the increasing trading volumes suggest that investor interest may be growing, which could improve liquidity over time.
CHP trade ideas
Our opinion on the current state of CHPChoppies Enterprises, headquartered in Botswana, represents a unique case study in the highly competitive grocery retail sector of Southern Africa. Operating 212 stores across several African nations, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Kenya, Choppies has carved out a niche for itself despite the daunting challenges posed by more established players with greater buying power. The company's presence on both the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) highlights its ambitions and efforts to expand its footprint beyond its domestic market.
The grocery retail market in Southern Africa is known for its intensity, with several large chains dominating the scene. This environment presents substantial hurdles for smaller operations like Choppies, which must navigate competitive pricing, supply chain management, and market penetration without the leverage of larger conglomerates. Despite these challenges, Choppies has demonstrated resilience and a capacity to grow, as evidenced by its performance in the year ending 30th June 2023. The company reported a 6.4% increase in revenue, albeit with a 7.5% decline in headline earnings per share (HEPS). This performance was bolstered by the opening of sixteen new stores and a 6.8% growth in prices, although sales volumes on a comparable basis saw a slight decline.
The trading suspension on the JSE from November 2018 until November 2020 marked a tumultuous period for Choppies, raising concerns about its financial health and operational stability. However, the resumption of trading signaled a potential turnaround and a step towards recovery. The trading update for the six months ending 31st December 2023, projecting HEPS to be between 5c and 5.5c, indicates a stabilization in its financial performance, albeit the growth remains modest.
One of the critical challenges for investors considering Choppies is the relatively low volume of shares traded daily. With an average of about R18,000 worth of shares changing hands, the liquidity and tradability of Choppies shares are limited, potentially deterring significant investment and affecting share price volatility.
In summary, Choppies' journey reflects the broader challenges faced by smaller retail chains in competing with larger entities in the grocery sector. Its efforts to expand, improve operational efficiency, and navigate financial difficulties illustrate a commitment to sustaining its business model. However, the competitive landscape, coupled with limited trading volumes, suggests that while Choppies may offer a unique investment opportunity, it also carries inherent risks and uncertainties that investors must carefully consider.
Our opinion on the current state of CHPChoppies (CHP) is a Botswana-based grocery retailer with 212 stores which operated in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Kenya. The company has a primary listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) and a secondary listing on the JSE. What is clear is that the grocery market in Southern Africa is fiercely competitive and it will always be difficult for a small operation like Choppies, without the buying power of the larger chains, to compete. For two years this company was suspended on the JSE (from November 2018) and only resumed trading on 13th November 2020. In its results for the year to 30th June 2023 the company reported revenue up 6,4% and headline earnings per share (HEPS) down 7,5%. Retail sales were "driven by sixteen new stores coupled with price growth of 6.8%. Sales volumes increased by 1.6% and excluding the new stores declined by 4.6% on a comparable basis". Clearly, this company is recovering from a torrid period which saw its shares suspended on the JSE for more than two years. There is about R22 000 worth of shares changing hands every day on average - which is insufficient volume even for a small investment.